THE FLAVOR OF SPAIN™
This Week’s Spanish Composer: FERNANDO OBRADORS
by Elena Greco
July 28, 2015
Born in Barcelona, Fernando (Ferran) Jaumandreu Obradors (1897-1945) was largely self-taught in composition; he studied piano with his mother. He was a brilliant arranger of Spanish folk music, with inventive, virtuosic piano accompaniments that bring the original melodies to life without sacrificing their original charm. He is best known for his four volumes of songs set to Spanish poetry and folk melodies, Canciones clásicas españolas, which are totally Spanish in flavor. All are exquisite!
THE FLAVOR OF SPAIN™ Part 2: Influences of Catalan and Basque Cultures (FOS2) concert presented songs from Volumes 2 and 4 of Canciones clásicas españolas; these volumes are often neglected in favor of Volumes 1 and 3. In THE FLAVOR OF SPAIN™ Part 3: Unsung Songs of Spain (FOS3) concert, we will present songs by Obradors that are seldom heard, including a slightly X-rated one with lyrics by Federico Lorca that has never been recorded and, I believe, never performed publicly in this country.
You can listen to one of my favorite Obradors songs, “En el pinar” (also performed on FOS3!), not necessarily characteristic of Obradors, but with his beautiful pianistic painting of the lyric and lovely lyrical line, sung by one of my favorite Spanish singers, the beautiful Pilar Lorengar, with Miguel Zanetti on piano:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pUR_j2PaWM.
THE FLAVOR OF SPAIN™
What is it about Spanish music that lets you know instantly that what you’re hearing is Spanish? The Flavor of Spain™ explores the exotic cultural influences that create that unique sound. Deep in the lush, passionate and thrilling sound of this music are influences of the Moorish, Greek, Turkish, Italian, French, Sephardic and Flamenco cultures, and you will hear all of these elements in the music of The Flavor of Spain concert series.
THE FLAVOR OF SPAIN™
is brought to you by
ELENA GRECO MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTIONS™
ELENA GRECO MULTIMEDIA PRODUCTIONS™ (EGMP) is sponsored by Fractured Atlas, a 501(c)3 non-profit arts service organization. Contributions for the charitable purposes of EGMP are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. You can be a part of EGMP, helping us create innovative shows that entertain, educate and enliven and bring our unique entertainment to the community by clicking here:
For more information, please email Elena Greco.
For more information about The Flavor of Spain™ concert series, click here: The Flavor of Spain™.